An 18-year-old youth, Chinedu Abimbor, was allegedly shot and killed by a police officer after failing to stop at a checkpoint in Ekpoma, Edo State.
Grassroots Parrot gathered that the incident, which occurred on Wednesday in Esan West Local Government Area, has sparked protests among local youths demanding justice.
According to sources, Abimbor was driving a Mercedes Benz when he reportedly ignored police signals to stop at a checkpoint.
In response, one of the officers allegedly opened fire on the vehicle, fatally shooting the young driver. The victim’s brother, who was a passenger in the car, was subsequently taken into police custody.
The shooting prompted demonstrations by local youths who marched through Ekpoma streets calling for justice and the release of Abimbor’s detained brother.
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Lucky Adaba, speaking on behalf of the protesters, claimed that police in the area have a pattern of harassing young men who drive cars.
He added that when protesters approached the police station seeking an investigation into the killing, they were met with tear gas.
CSP Moses Yamu, spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, stated that Commissioner of Police Betty Otimenyin has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
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“The CP has directed the immediate withdrawal from operations of the three patrol teams allegedly involved.” Yamu said.
In an official statement on Saturday, Yamu described the incident as involving “a security forces’ joint operation team and occupants of an unregistered Mercedes Benz.”
He added that the Commissioner has extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased while appealing for calm, assuring the public that “justice will prevail in the end.”
